The knowledge is not the problem. Pity there was actully not more knowledge out there then maybe things could improve for teenage girls having babies and the high rate of sexually transmitted disease. I do not see religion having a part to play if it leaves people at more risk of all sorts of things.

As Human Beings there should be a Moral and Ethical imperative to protect our children from being used and abused sexually. For far too long ignorance has left women wide open to STI's - some of which are deadly - needless abortions, infertility, etc., etc.. Early sexual encounters and multi-partnered relationships laeve women especially vulnerable to a great many diseases, cervical cancer being the most deadly. Even though now some countries carry out routine innoculation for HPV in women, there is growing evidence that men may also be at risk, along with women, of later esophageal cancers.

Knowledge and proper education, coupled with openess and honesty, has the be th way forward if we are to have young men and women respecting themselves and others, being safe and yet still being able to have fun in other ways. I see no religious blame needing to be attached to this. Take religion out of it and we still have a need to teach (not preach) to our children so they can make fully informed choices about their sex lives. For many it could mean their parents being educated also, as many adults are not fully aware of risks and choices, it all being mixed up in a bag with myths, fear, bigotry, religion, guilt, true ignorance, etc..

Bonobo babies get raped. Bonobo children get killed. Sex is currency and language to Bonobo society. No religion there and I think it far too easy to blame religion for the ills surrounding sex. If religion did not exists at all, I still think we would and do have a moral and ethical duty to protect our children as they grow, both for while they are growing, through puberty and into adult life.

JMHO

mp